Chapter 59
Chapter 59: The blazing afternoon sun at two o’clock cast its rays over the bustling racetrack, heightening the excitement in the air. Madisyn, now clad in a racing suit, led Belinda into the venue. She squinted at the dust kicked up by distant cars and offered a small smile. “When was the last time you drove?”’ Belinda slid her suit sleeves into place. “I haven’t been behind the wheel of a race car since Joyce’s accident.”’ Before her life intersected with Joyce’s, she’d been a country girl making ends meet with odd jobs at a suburban clinic. Joyce, from a wealthy family, had introduced her to dance, racing, and other experiences she never could have imagined. But the tragic accident that left Joyce in a vegetative state four years ago had plunged Belinda into deep sorrow and anxiety. Then Kristopher’s accident consumed her attention, and she hadn’t touched a race car since. Madisyn glanced over her shoulder with a grin. “Back when you were Mrs. Cox, I wouldn’t have dared bring you here for fun. But now that you’re free, I want you to unwind. After all, Joyce used to take us racing to blow off steam.”’ Belinda nodded. “That’s true.”’ “Hey, it feels like forever!”’ a voice called, cutting through the roar of engines. A man broke away from a group and strode toward them. “Madisyn!”’ “Allen!”’ Madisyn greeted, her eyes lighting up. “I didn’t expect to see you here!”’ Allen Wilde, his gaze snagged by the woman in the red suit standing behind Madisyn, excused himself and approached with a welcoming smile. “Who’s this with you?”’ Madisyn beamed. “This is my close friend, Belinda Nelson. And this is Allen Wilde, the eldest son of the Wilde family. He’s been studying abroad and just got back a few days ago.”’ Belinda furrowed her brow, searching her memory. Nawrin was a small town, and the Coxes often mingled with the Wildes. Belinda remembered hearing about Allen. He’d been a childhood friend of Kristopher’s and had gone overseas to study. He struggled academically, though, and his grandfather decreed he couldn’t return until he earned his degree. During Belinda’s three-year marriage to Kristopher, she’d never met Allen. Next chapter at “Miss Nelson,”’ Allen said, offering his hand with a warm smile. Belinda stood and shook his hand politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wilde. Congratulations on your graduation.”’ Allen paused in surprise before glancing playfully at Madisyn. “Do you share everything with your friends?”’ Madisyn laughed. “Your achievements aren’t exactly a secret.”’ Allen rolled his eyes. “Without you, how would Miss Nelson even know?”’ He turned back to Belinda with a cheeky grin. “I haven’t seen you at Nawrin’s races before. Are you new here? Do you have any experience with race cars?”’ Belinda bit her lip. “Well, I’ve had some experience, but””’ “She’s quite new,”’ Madisyn interjected, turning to Allen. “How about a challenge? Race against the newbie here. If you lose”¦”’ Madisyn’s eyes narrowed playfully as she eyed the luxurious watch on Allen’s wrist. “If you lose, you hand over that fancy watch to my friend. What do you say?”’…